A Grandfather Needs Help This Christmas

Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, as one song puts it, but for others, it can be the absolute hardest. I get so caught up in everything myself, our finances, etc. that I forget actually how blessed I still am. As I was browsing this morning, I went to the Springfield News-Leader Website for the online version of this Missouri newspaper, and a story just absolutely brought tears to my eyes. I have a little boy about the age of this child, so I think this kind of stuff just jerks my emotions into high gear, but I still have to share this in hopes the potential help this family can receive can be expanded beyond the area. It is about a three-year-old boy who is being raised solely by his grandfather. The child's mother had congestive heart failure when the child was born, and ended up passing away about a year later. The lad's poor excuse of a father has nothing to do with him, so the grandfather is raising the child on his own, with a fixed income. The newspaper states their wishes are "3-year-old boy needs pajamas, Pull-Ups, shoes, pants, shirts and underwear. He has outgrown his crib and needs a twin size bed and bedding. He would enjoy push and pull toys." Also mentioned are some household items, includine a TV (as theirs seldom works), a DVD player, some movies appropriate for the child, and a chest of drawers. As I look at this list, I can agree with the needs. A three-year-old needs push and pull toys, as toys help in the learning process. Movies for children can be great learning tools as well. Also, a boy this age needs to have a bed and not a crib, as he is becoming a "big boy now." I encourage all who can to please help this grandfather give this young one as many wonderful childhood memories as possible.

The contact information the paper left was written as follows: "To donate gifts, call The Holiday Center 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Saturday at 865-5810. Refer to the specific case number you're interested in helping; specific information such as clothing sizes is available. To donate money, send checks to The Holiday Center, P.O. Box 3947, Springfield, MO 65808. Make checks payable to The Holiday Center and specify the case number the money is intended for. Do not send gifts or money to the News-Leader." The child and his grandfather are Case 7. For additional verification, please go to: http://www.news-leader.com and see the headline, "Grandfather is raising 3-year-old alone." I will add there are other cases mentioned as well in this article. Maybe one of those will touch your heart as well. Here is a chance to make a difference!